MAORIS' REACTION.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 8

MAORIS' REACTION.

NATIVE LAND' INQUIRY. "LAG" AT KAWHIA NOTICED. The attitude of the Maoris in the Kawhia district toward the native land development schemes was gradually improving "until this commission started," according to Mr. A. Macalister, a Kawhia farmer, who gave evidence before the Koyal Commission in Wellington. Mr. Macalister, who for some time was on an advisory committee for the administration of the schemes, said the Native Minister and the supervisor, Mr. Wright, had had tremendous difficulties to overcome. The Maoris in the district were intensely loyal to their "king," King Tarata, and would do nothing until his approval was obtained. This approval had only been given after the "king" had thought over the schemes for a long time. Witness considered that generally the schemes were good, both from the native and national points of view. It would not be too strong to say they were turning nurseries for noxious weeds into farms which would eventually be profitable. To Mr. G. P. Finlay witness said the schemes had been progressing well until recently, when they had dropped back. Their completion was being held up. Mr. Finlay: When did the lag begin to manifest itself? 1 Fears of the Future. Witness: About Christmas time. The first time I noticed there wasn't much interest was over the sheep at Mangaora. When the Maoris got rid of their sheep I suggested they should replace them, and 1 wondered why they took no notice of me. No more improvement work was being done. They seemed to bo wondering what was going to happen. Other lands, too, were not properly stocked.

What was the attitude of the natives toward tlie development in the district ? —It was gradually improving until this commission started. Of course that set them thinking a lot. Some of them have thought it is the beginning of the end. They thought they were going to lose their lands after they had mit them under the scheme. Now some of them say: ''Well, I told you what was going to happen." Before that fear arose recently, what was their attitude?— They weren't too willing to come into the scheme at the beginning- Later those that came into it were enthusiastic enough, but those that stayed out were not. Was that viewpoint changing up till recently? Were they coming to a stage when tlicv would all approve of the scheme?—Tho feeling has become more kindly toward the schemes. They generally want them to be continued. They are keen to come into the schemes if they can feel sure they will be gone on with.